Fresh off its victory in the 2010 FIM World Superbike Championship, Aprilia is bringing its WSBK tech to the masses. Designated as Aprilia Performance Ride Control (APRC), The Italian company first debuted its 8-stage adjustable traction control, wheelie control, launch control, and a quick shifter package on the 2011 Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC, which debuted at the 2010 EICMA show. Now the company from Noale is bringing that same electronics package to its more affordable Aprilia RSV4 R street machine as a standard feature on the 2011 Aprilia RSV4 R APRC.

Along with the added APRC system, the Aprilia RSV4 R APRC features an improved motor lubrication system, and the first three gears are spaced for better acceleration. The exhaust system has also been lightened by 2kg (just under 5 lbs).

The 2011 Aprilia RSV4 R APRC also comes with the same 200/55 x 17 dual-compound rear tire that’s found on the Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC. Other changes include lighter wheels, a fully-adjustable Sachs rear shock, better fuel consumption, and some new graphics. Pricing will be $16,999 in the United States, and £13,999 (exc. OTR) for our brothers in apex across the pond.

Putting the APRC system on the RSV4 R is a great move by Aprilia, and effectively sticks it to the rest of the liter bike manufacturers who don’t have a full electronics package available at this price point. For us here in the United States, this is mainly an assault on the Ducati Superbike 1198 segment position, which sits just several hundred dollars cheaper than the RSV4 R APRC, but without the launch and wheelie controls.

In the European markets though, the 2011 Aprilia RSV4 R APRC is increasingly more appealing when compare to the more costly Japanese models, which are still devoid of electronics packages like Noale’s APRC. Can it give the BMW S1000RR a run for its money in 2011? Only time will tell.

Aprilia Performance Ride Control (APRC) cheat sheet:

Aprilia Traction Control (ATC) – the most advanced traction control system on the market. It’s the only motorcycle TC system that can be adjusted on the move instantly without shutting the throttle and automatically adjusts to suit if you change your tyres. Features 8 level settings, so you can turn it down for track use or up for wet road riding on the go.

Aprilia Wheelie Control (AWC) – Identifies the start of wheelie and controls it to maximise acceleration whilst keeping the front end down. Features 3 settings.

This is so cool. I only have a Shiver, if I’m gonna get a new bike – looks like it’s gonna be RSV4.

BikePilot

I think its a fine if unexceptional looking bike for the most part (but exceptional performance I’m sure). I’m not a fan of the tiny, pointy tail. The fancy electronics don’t mean much to me, but then I’m not trying to make a living by shaving hundredths off my laptimes.

Westward

Here’s hoping that Ducati matches with a full electronics package of their own… Nice going Aprilia…

Other Sean

Westward, I’m pretty sure the 1198 standard now has the quickshifter and the traction control, but not the wheelie control, launch control, espresso maker, and hellfire missles.

Half of me really admires these electronics, but half of me thinks it’s just more expensive stuff to go wrong. I’m just a weekend canyon rider with the occasional ride to work though, so that must be part of it.

http://TBA Bemer2six

This now put this bike for sure in my price range and within reach. It’s just to damn bad they didn’t stick a Olins suspension on it. I wonder what they’d want to upgrade?

RSVDan

Want. Badly.

Chris

“the more costly Japanese models, which are still devoid of electronics packages like Noale’s APRC.”

And what about the 2011 ZX-10R?!?!? Traction control, ABS, wheelie control, different engine maps. It should definitely be included with the likes of the BMW.

http://www.asphaltandrubber.com Jensen Beeler

Good point Chris. Meanwhile the CBR1000RR only has ABS, while the Suzuki GSX-R1000 and and Yamaha R1 have nothing. BMW was the bike to beat in 2010, we’ll see who is top dog in 2011 (I’d put money on Kawasaki too though).

BBQDog

Still hope they sooner or later make a more affordable version of it, or a 750 or 550 twin. Like the looks of it very much. Am still in doubt to buy one. Have to put all the money on one card.

froryde

+1 what BBQDog saiod

Westward

@ Sean

Like the others said, it raises the bar as to what people will expect for the amount of money they pay. I’m a Ducati Monster type myself., don’t really need most of it. Though if I pay anything like $16k for a new bike and it doesn’t have it, I would feel that the manufacturer is on the cheap, if another company can package that stuff and still make a profit.

Ex. most cars today have power windows / doors plus AC. If you try to sell that stuff as extra, you may as well move on to another dealer, cause they are jacking you legal…

SBPilot

Quite the impressive package. I hope they don’t stick a terrible commercial to go with it, they don’t need it. BMW set the bar, Aprilia was keen on raising that bar by throwing every single electronic system at the bike it could and putting it on the market.

Will be interesting to see how the companies respond. Kawasaki and Aprilia both responded to BMW, so time to see the rest respond…